The judge ruled last month that only Congress may change the name of the iconic performing arts facility. Workers adjust the name of the “John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" in Washington on Dec. 19, 2025. 6/12/2026|Updated: 6/12/2026 A federal judge on June 12 declined to pause a ruling directing the removal of President Donald Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center in the nation’s capital. Previously, on May 29, the same judge, Washington-based U.S. District Judge Christopher R.